On 29 August, three of us, Ms Penny, Todd Solomon, and myself  had a chance at the last SDCC meeting to talk about hurricanes, near misses and some “what if”s. This conversation lead into a discussion on the way we communicate these days and some generational difference. Todd feels very comfortable with a computer and using it as a tool to connect with people and express his thoughts.  He does well with his research, his record keeping, and has contributed greatly to our efforts to keep Shore Drive connected and in the flow of  city information.

I am less comfortable with a computer, and even less trusting.  It is probably illogical, a “love-hate” relationship.  Maybe it is from using computers onboard aircraft for many years that has left me weary. I would always do my own flight calculations for essential items like fuel required, half-way point, and flight time and then check my estimates against the computer’s numbers.  The computer may have never been wrong, but that is not the point.  I used the computer as a tool and did not rely on it to keep me going in the safe direction.  Some of my fellow pilots used the computer as their only tool and it lead them away when it failed.  If this hurricane had taken away our internet, where would we have found ourselves?  To many,  the computer is much more that a tool, almost like the closest of friends.  Many would feel alone without their BFA (that’s Best friend always). If our device’s battery should fail, do we also shut down?

And then we have Ms. Penny. Intelligent, engaged, articulate, and I would respectfully estimate, a most powerful force to verbally challenge over any misplaced or misguided element of civic logic concerning Shore Drive or Virginia Beach. Citizens like Ms. Penny are the backbone and cornerstone of this city.  As for communications, she is not overly fond of computers either. As an organization (SDCC), I think we are missing out on our dialogues when we think that we can accomplish all that we need to do to communicate with just a computer. Computers may be fast and save postage, but I find so much missing without the face to face. I am telling you all these things while I write on my computer.  My computer is a tool, not a BFA yet.  Thanks for the discussion that day after the hurricane, Ms. Penny.  We will try harder to find better ways to stay connected with more people along Shore Drive.